Fight like a Girl By Emily Maness

December 8, 2009

Menifee County High School


   ‘Fight like a Girl' is the international motto of breast cancer, just like the pink ribbon is the global symbol of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in woman, Center for Disease Control statistics show. CDC information also shows that 41,116 women die per year from breast cancer. Menifee County has the second highest rate of breast cancer deaths in the state. Fight like a Girl does not have to be limited to early detection and treatment, but now needs to include taking action to prevent breast cancer.

Early detection as recommended by the American Cancer Society includes a screening mammogram at age 35 and additional mammograms yearly from age 40- 75 years.  Follow up on abnormal mammograms can be done by having ultra sound or magnetic resonant images (MRI) done of breast tissue that is irregular. In Kentucky, the Kentucky Women's Cancer Screening Program allows women without insurance and of low income to have free mammograms.

   The Treatment for breast cancer includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Access to these treatments have been increased with the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP).  This allows patients in the Women's Cancer Treatment Program to receive treatment for their breast cancer free of charge.  Unfortunately, those women who are diagnosed and any form of treatment provided through the generosity of the local medical community are cut out of this important program.  This limits their further access to highly expensive care due to its prohibitive costs.

   There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer. 10-steps to reduce your chance of getting breast cancer are: (1) Keep a healthy body weight; (2) Avoid alcohol; (3) Eat many fruits and vegetables; (4) Exercise regularly; (5) Eat Fish or take fish oil; (6) Minimize consumption of high sugar index foods and eat whole grains; (7) Eat whole food soy products often; (8) Eat your meats and poultry less often; (9) Take your Vitamins; and (10)  Keep a good mental outlook on your life. Doing these steps can not only prevent breast cancer but many other cancers as well.

   At Menifee County Schools the Youth Service Center sold Fight like a Girl T-shirts and Sweaters. By buying these you support breast cancer awareness and you are supporting our school district's Relay for Life team. The money collected goes to the American Cancer Society. The Youth Service Center sold 80 shirts at $10 each.